Real Madrid have called on Gareth Bale to submit a formal transfer request to enable them to begin negotiations with his agent over a summer switch from Spurs.

Madrid are one of several clubs across Europe keen on Bale’s signature, with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United also eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, but the Bernabeu side are believed to be favourites to land Bale with an £80m bid.

The Welshman still has three years remaining on his Spurs contract, but could force through a move to Spain if he hands a written transfer request to chairman Daniel Levy.

It was the route taken by Luka Modric last year, as he joined Real Madrid for £33m, despite Tottenham’s desire to keep hold of the midfielder.

Reports have suggested Bale would be keen to quit White Hart Lane for the guarantee of Champions League football elsewhere, although the 23-year-old has yet to indicate publicly that he wants to engineer a switch.